Cooper determined to end Crokes’ heartache

A DECADE ago, he was the teenage tyro. Dr Crokes pitched a 17 year-old in at corner-forward for the 2000 Kerry county final, but Colm Cooper’s nascent talent ensured the selection was a minimal task.

The presence of four older brothers – Vince, Mike, Mark and Danny – in the Killarney club’s set-up offered the youngster plenty protection. and he did his bit in helping Dr Crokes pip An Ghaeltacht by a point that day.

That county medal was the precursor to a career of national stardom, and since then he hasaccumulated a treasure trove of inter-county accolades.